What is it like trekking in Taiwan?
Hiking is a popular pastime in Taiwan. While most Taiwanese limit their adventures to early morning suburbs and weekend day trips to the hills or low mountains, getting into the higher/remoter areas is increasingly popular. On a typical multi-day trek it is common to meet another 4-6 person group on the trail or at shelters, in other areas weeks can go by without another human passing by. Some 95% of hikers are Taiwanese, 4% Japanese/Koreans, 1% westerners/Singaporeans. Trails are usually easy to follow, with signs (often bilingual) or markers at appropriate stages. Occasionally some mild scrambling, under-over-around, obstacles, is required. Caution needed when crossing sections damaged by earthquakes and typhoons. Our trips require varying degrees of endurance and effort but no specialized rock climbing skills. Many routes will have mountain huts along the way. Most are unmanned, do not supply food or bedding but have a water supply, solar powered lights and basic toilet facilities.
